Research suggests that owners are often the first to notice the signs of pain affecting their cat.1,2 Read on to understand what signs to look for and how pain can create changes in mobility, behaviour and daily habits. In this article:
- how to tell if your cat is in pain
- reduced mobility
- lower energy levels
- shifts in your cat’s shape or weight
- grooming issues
- changes in facial expression
- what behavioural signs a cat in pain might show
- changes in activity and movement
- changes in daily habits
- changes in mood and interaction
- learning how to spot signs of pain in your cat: key takeaways
It’s not always easy to tell when a cat is in pain. Their natural survival instinct is to hide discomfort, so the signs can be subtle.
Even so, there are usually clues. Small changes in appearance or behaviour can signal that something is off. Because you know your cat better than anyone, you are often the first to notice when something has shifted.
Maybe your cat is moving more slowly, seems less keen to jump or groom, or their mood has shifted. Perhaps they are having quieter days, grumpier moments or avoiding things they once loved.
Research shows that once owners understand how pain can affect their cat, they are often the first to spot those changes in mobility, behaviour or daily routine.1.2 Awareness of these red flags can make a real difference.
Having short video clips of your cat moving or playing is also helpful. They let you compare their behaviour over time. Sharing those videos with your vet can help them in their diagnosis. And if you suspect your cat might be in pain, getting them checked sooner means you can start working together to keep them comfortable and enjoying life again.
How to tell if your cat is in pain
If you have a sense that something has changed, paying attention to your cat’s body can help you understand what is going on. Pain often manifests as subtle shifts in movement, posture or grooming. Here are the most common physical signs to watch for:
Reduced mobility
While cats rarely limp, you can often see the effects of pain in how they move. They may be slower or a bit stiff when they first get up, especially after a nap. Some pause before setting off or take their first few steps more cautiously than usual.
You might also notice them avoiding things that used to be easy or simply taking more time with them, like climbing stairs or getting in and out of the litter tray.
Jumping is usually where you’ll spot pain most easily, since it’s more strenuous than walking or stretching. Cats may hesitate, abort the leap halfway through or stop visiting their favourite high spots altogether.
Pain can also change a cat’s posture. You may see:
- a slight hunch when standing or walking
- a stiffer sitting position, with the back legs tucked in
- less stretching after waking
- their head held a little lower than usual
- weight shifting from side to side when standing
Lower energy levels
Because arthritis is more common in older cats, it’s easy to attribute a drop in energy to simple ageing – but ongoing pain can drain even a healthy cat’s enthusiasm. If they seem unusually tired, less playful or generally low on energy, it could be a sign that something else is going on rather than simply getting older.
Shifts in your cat’s shape or weight
Pain can affect a cat’s appetite and activity in different ways. Some become less active and gain weight. Some eat less and lose weight. In those cats, you may notice their bones more easily under the fur. Any shift in body size or shape that doesn’t have an apparent reason, such as increased exercise or a planned diet, is worth getting checked out by a vet.
You may also notice a loss of leg, hip or back muscles caused by a reduction in normal movement.
Some cats may also develop swollen joints, which can be uncomfortable when touched. But because many cats hide pain so effectively or have thick fur, swelling alone isn’t a reliable way to judge how much discomfort they’re in.
Grooming issues
Painful joints can make it more difficult for a cat to groom, especially in areas that require a twist or stretch. You might notice patches of matted or untidy fur on the back, back legs or at the base of the tail.
Some cats go the other way and overgroom sore areas as a way of coping. This can stain the fur or leave thin patches where the hair has been licked away.
It’s not only the fur that can reveal signs of pain. Overgrown claws can be another clue, as painful joints often mean cats scratch less and their nails don’t wear down naturally.
Changes in facial expression
Pain can subtly alter a cat’s expression. You might notice them squinting more, holding their ears slightly to the side or back, or pulling their whiskers in rather than letting them sit naturally.
Some cats also look more tense around the eyes or mouth. These signs can be easy to miss on their own, but when combined with other changes they can help confirm that something is not quite right. Your vet may use the Feline Grimace Scale to help assess the level of pain your cat is in.
What behavioural signs might a cat in pain show
Pain can also change your cat’s everyday behaviour. You might notice shifts in their routine, their activity or even the way they interact with people. Below are the most common behavioural signs to keep an eye out for:
Changes in activity and movement
Pain can cause cats to reduce the things they usually enjoy. They may spend less time outdoors or show less interest in playing and hunting, choosing to stay still rather than move around.
You might also notice them avoiding higher spots. Jumping onto shelves, beds or favourite perches can become harder, so they stick to ground-level places instead.
Changes in daily habits
Pain can nudge a cat’s routine in small but telling ways. They may eat less, especially if lowering their head to the bowl feels uncomfortable. Many cats also sleep or rest more than usual, opting to stay in one place rather than moving around.
Your cat might have started toileting just outside the litter tray, as stepping in, turning or squatting in the tray can become difficult.
Grooming often drops off as well. If twisting or stretching hurts, fur on the back or hindquarters can start to look a little untidy.
Changes in mood and interaction
Pain can make even the friendliest cat withdrawn. You might notice them spending more time on their own or choosing quieter spots where they will not be disturbed. Some cats also become irritable or short-tempered, even if they are usually calm or sociable.
Vocal changes can be heard, too. Some cats meow more than usual, especially when moving or being handled, while others become noticeably quieter. Growling or hissing during routine interactions can also be a sign that something hurts.
Another common clue is avoiding touch. Cats in pain may flinch, move away or growl when a sore area is stroked. Others simply seem less keen on being fussed over. Any shift in how your cat reacts to people, especially during everyday routines, is worth noting.
Learning how to spot signs of pain in your cat: key takeaways
- Cats hide pain well, so noticing small changes in how they move, behave or look is key to identifying if they’re in pain
- Reduced mobility, altered posture or hesitancy with everyday movements can be early physical signs
- Shifts in daily habits, such as appetite, sleep, toileting or grooming, may suggest discomfort
- Mood and interaction changes, such as hiding, irritability or altered vocalisation, often appear when a cat is hurting
- Changes in body condition or facial expression can add important clues that your cat could be in pain
- Keeping occasional videos and sharing concerns with your vet helps identify pain sooner and improves your cat’s comfort
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[1] Lascelles BDX, Hansen BD, Roe S, et al. Evaluation of client-specific outcome measures and activity monitoring to measure pain relief in cats with osteoarthritis. J Vet Intern Med. 2007;21(3):410-416. doi:10.1892/0891-6640(2007)21[410:eocoma]2.0.co;2
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[2] Clarke SP, Bennett D. Feline osteoarthritis: a prospective study of 28 cases. J Small Anim Pract. 2006;47(8):439-445. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2006.00143.x